Cave Cricket

cave_cricket01_sm.jpg: Cave cricket
cave_cricket_sm.jpg: Cave cricket
Range: United States
Habitat: Caves
Conservation Status: Not listed by IUCN
Scientific Name: Ceuthophilus gracilipes

This unusual cricket lives a life in almost total darkness. But it doesn't seem to mind. Instead of relying on its eyes to navigate through cave passages, the cave cricket maneuvers using its long antennae to "feel" its way and to find food. It resembles other crickets in one important way, however -- it has long, powerful legs for jumping.